The Bulldogs can and will score. The struggles will likely be if the young defensive corps can keep the scores against in the 3-3.5 range instead of the 4-4.5 range. Tim Smith and Andy Welinski will be key mainstays of the defense.

3. Is the NCHC the best conference and will the high caliber teams keep each other out of the NCAA Tournament?

The NCHC is a great conference, arguably the best top to bottom. But in the end, will the "better" teams beat each other up and ultimately keep some high end teams out of the NCAA is a concern. Stack a league, decrease chances for their NCAA chances? Quite possibly.

For now, we have to wait to see what the expectations look like on the ice starting tonight at AMSOIL Arena.